Rules and Regulations

Welcome to Arts in the Sunset, a shared creative home for artists, students, visitors, and the public. Inside our building, you’ll find the Amarillo Art Institute (AAI), a public gallery, vendor spaces, special events, and studio artists. To keep the space safe, inspiring, and enjoyable for everyone, all expectations listed here apply to everyone in the building, with additional clarifying guidelines for specific programs and activities as needed.

When visiting Arts in the Sunset, guests may experience bright lights, occasional loud or sudden noises, and varying levels of activity, including private classes or large crowds. Children may also be present throughout the building for classes, camps, tours and activities. Some artwork may explore themes or imagery that evoke strong emotions. We encourage each visitor to consider these factors and decide if this is a space they wish to enjoy.

The building includes handicap-accessible restrooms and a limited number of wheelchairs for use. Some areas involve long walks, gentle slopes, or a small number of stairs. Visitors with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

The building is open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 6:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. The doors automatically lock at closing time.

Office staff is available Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00 pm.

Owlworks gift shop is open Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. Seasonal holiday hours may apply.

Arts in the Sunset Building

The Amarillo Art Institute

Arts in the Sunset Building

•SAFETY & CONDUCT

Treat all people respectfully. Threats, harassment, or inappropriate behavior is not allowed. Weapons or dangerous items, such as firearms, knives, or explosives, are prohibited. Maintain a safe environment; avoid actions that could harm yourself or others.

•SHARED SPACES & CLEANLINESS

Keep all common areas clutter-free. Do not claim spaces, furniture, or equipment.
Remove personal items when not in use; do not store supplies or furniture without approval.

•NOISE & DISRUPTION

Keep voices, music, and phone calls at a respectful level. Avoid disruptive behavior, including running, yelling, or otherwise interfering with others’ work or enjoyment of the space.

•MINORS AND PARENT RESPONSIBILITY

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, except during their own scheduled class. Parents are responsible for managing disruptive behavior.

•ACCESS & PRIVILEGES

Access to the building is a privilege. Arts in the Sunset may limit or revoke access for any violation of Arts in the Sunset policies.

•SMOKING

Smoking and vaping is permitted only in designated outdoor areas.

•FACILITY

Certain areas of the facility may be temporarily unavailable due to rentals, classes, set-up, or maintenance. These areas will be marked as such when not accessible to the public. Please respect all posted signs and staff directions.

•ACCESSIBILITY & BUILDING LAYOUT

•PETS AND SERVICE ANIMALS

Only ADA registered service animals are permitted at Arts int he Sunset. Service animals displaying disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in removal.
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Amarillo Art Institute

• CLEAN UP YOUR AREA

Over 100 students participate in classes each week. Easels and tables are often shared between students, so please clean your space before leaving.

Oil painters must use only odorless turpentine and paint thinner, and must keep these covered when not in use.
Varnish must be applied in designated areas only.

• LEAVING SUPPLIES

You may leave supplies at AAI as long as they are stored neatly so the space can be used by others. AAI is not responsible for any items left on the premises.

• FINISHED ARTWORK

AAI has several areas for displaying finished artwork. If your piece is not on display, please take it home to keep the school uncluttered.

For projects requiring additional treatment after a course, AAI will notify you when they are ready for pickup.
Work will be held for 60 days after the course end date, after which it may be discarded.
For artwork you wish to display and sell, contact the Creative Director for public gallery information.

•CLUTTER

AAI is a shared space for artists and students. All supplies must be put away after use.

Personal storage of boxes, shelves, or furniture is not permitted.
All furniture is provided by AAI. No outside furniture may be brought in without written approval, and labeled by AAI
Mail or packages may not be sent to AAI without prior permission; unauthorized items will be returned to sender.

•CLAIMED SPACE

All spaces at AAI are shared.

You may not write your name on spaces or equipment.
Repeatedly using the same area does not make it your personal space.
Any clutter left behind may be moved at the discretion of AAI staff.

You may not occupy a space indefinitely or use it for personal storage for any reason. AAI staff have put a lot of thought into the layout of the school, including walkways, so empty space is intentional.

• NOISE LEVEL

Multiple classes and workshops may occur at the same time. Please keep voices, phone calls, and music at a respectful level so others can hear instructions.

• CLASS SPACES

If you are working outside of a scheduled class, please do not occupy seats reserved for an active class. This helps instructors take accurate attendance.

•PAYMENT

Students must pay for classes in full at registration. We accept cash, checks (on-site only), and all major credit cards. Please review course descriptions for dates, times, and required supplies.

•CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Any cancellations made 7 or more days before the start of class receive a refund, less a $10 cancelation fee.No refunds or prorating will be given for missed classes. Cancellations made within 7 days of the start date are non-refundable. Workshops canceled within 45 days of the start date will not be refunded.

•MINORS AND PARENT RESPONSIBILITY

All students under 18 require written permission to enroll in any adult course. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, except during their own scheduled class. Parents or guardians must walk their children into the building and ensure they are picked up promptly after class. Children may not be dropped off early, left alone, or picked up late. Any disruptive behavior—including loud noises, running, or other actions that interfere with classes or other members—is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to manage.

•MAKE UP CLASSES

AAI does not offer make-up dates for missed classes. Classes cannot be carried over to future sessions.

•VIDEOS & PHOTOS

AAI may use photographs or videos taken during classes or programs for marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, notify Director@amarilloartinstitute.org at registration.

•INSTRUCTORS

Instructors serve as facilitators during their classes and may enforce policies to maintain a safe, respectful environment, including during after-hours.

•CODE OF CONDUCT

Members are expected to be respectful of Arts in the Sunset, including all members, studio artists, class attendees, and facilities. The following behaviors are not permitted:

Intruding on another member’s art supplies, projects, class time, or personal space.
Threatening others, bringing weapons, or using language that is vulgar, inappropriate, discriminatory, harassing, or sexual in nature.
Speaking negatively or disparagingly about AAI or Arts in the Sunset in public spaces, including on social media.
Damaging property, indoors or outdoors, in any way.
Engaging in any behavior that creates an unsafe or disruptive environment for others.
Recruit AAI members for outside classes or private lessons
Host an unauthorized private class or lesson at AAI. All instructors must be approved.

Violations of this Code may result in the suspension or revocation of membership. Arts in the Sunset strives to maintain a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for all. Participation is a privilege, not a guarantee, and access to programs, classes, events, or facilities may be limited, suspended, or revoked for behavior that does not align with these standards.

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Public Gallery

The Public Gallery is a showcase of artwork from our community, giving artists of all levels an opportunity to share their work and connect with a customer base. Artwork is on display for purchase during regular gallery hours, First Friday Art Walks, and other special events. A 20% commission from sold artwork supports the Amarillo Art Institute.

All artwork goes through a jury process and is displayed at the Creative Director discretion. Submission does not guarantee display. Artwork is selected based on gallery space and rotation needs. If your work is chosen, you will be contacted via email with instructions for delivery and display. You do not need to reapply if you do not hear back immediately.

•ARTWORK STANDARDS

All submitted artwork must be suitable for a public, family-friendly environment. Pieces containing explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or other material deemed inappropriate by the Creative Director will not be accepted for display.

•ARTIST RESPONSIBILITY & LABELS

Artists decide the title and price of their artwork. The gallery will create labels for display. The legal name of the artist and mailing address must be provided to issue payment. Checks for sold artwork are distributed between the 15th-18th of each month (Exceptions for weekends and holidays). Checks that are reprinted due to missing or incorrect legal names or addresses will include a $10 reprinting fee.

•LIABILITY

By submitting artwork, the artist acknowledges that the Amarillo Art Institute is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of artwork.

•DISPLAY & ROTATION

The Creative Director determines placement and display of all artwork. Art may not be swapped or rearranged without permission. Artwork may be rotated as needed to allow for a variety of artists to participate.

•ARTWORK PICKUP

Displayed artwork must be picked up on the appointed day provided upon submission. If you cannot pick up your pieces on that day, schedule an appointment with staff. Walk-in pickup without an appointment may not be accommodated, as staff need time to manage daily operations. Late pickups may affect eligibility for future gallery participation.

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Vendor Markets

Arts in the Sunset hosts vendor markets and special events to showcase local makers, artists, and small businesses. Participation in these events is subject to approval by staff.

•APPLICATION & SCHEDULING

Vendors must submit a completed application to be considered. Acceptance and booth assignment are determined by the event coordinator. All communication regarding acceptance, setup, and event details will be conducted via email.

•PAYMENT

Accepted vendors must pay in advance for their scheduled time through the provided link. If payment is not received, the booth space is forfeited. If payment is made but the vendor does not show up, the payment is forfeited and cannot be carried over to a future event.

•SETUP & BREAKDOWN

Vendors are responsible for setting up and breaking down their own booth within the designated times. Late arrivals or early breakdowns may affect eligibility for future events.

•CONDUCT & PRESENTATION

Vendors are expected to conduct themselves professionally, maintain a clean and organized space, and respect other participants. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior is not allowed. Vendors may not sell inappropriate or prohibited items, as determined by Arts in the Sunset staff.

Arts in the Sunset hosts a variety of public events, including First Friday Art Walks, open gallery exhibitions, vendor markets, and other special gatherings. These events are designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all visitors.

•VISITOR EXPECTATIONS

Respect the artwork, artists, and other attendees. Do not touch artwork unless explicitly permitted.Disruptive or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the premises.

•ACCESSIBILITY & SAFETY

Handicap-accessible restrooms are available, and some wheelchairs may be provided upon request.Be aware that some areas involve stairs, upslope/downslope walks, or longer distances between spaces.Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
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Rented Events & Outside Groups

Arts in the Sunset spaces may be rented for private events. Guests renting the building must follow the terms of their rental contract, including arrival, setup, cleanup, and noise expectations.

Early arrivals, late pickups, excessive noise, or disregard for the building and shared spaces are not permitted.

Event inquiries must be scheduled by appointment; unscheduled requests cannot be accommodated.

All renters and attendees are expected to respect the building, staff, and other visitors.

Large Groups & Tours

Groups or tours should schedule visits in advance to ensure adequate staff support.

Visitors are expected to follow any instructions provided by Arts in the Sunset staff during events.

Studio artists and staff at Arts in the Sunset have responsibilities to maintain a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment for all members and visitors. These guidelines build on the building-wide and public event rules.

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Studio Artists

Artists are expected to respect shared spaces, equipment, and materials. Personal projects and supplies must not obstruct or claim communal areas. Use of Amarillo Art Institute (AAI) supplies is not allowed unless explicitly specified.

All safety protocols for equipment, materials, and studio spaces must be followed. This includes proper ventilation, cleaning, and handling of potentially hazardous substances.

Noise levels should be kept reasonable to allow others to work without disruption.

Disruptive, disrespectful, or unsafe behavior will not be tolerated and may result in loss of studio privileges.

•STAFF & INSTRUCTORS

Staff and instructors are responsible for maintaining a professional, welcoming, and safe environment.They should enforce all building, school, and gallery policies consistently and fairly. All communication with students, members, or the public should remain professional. Disparaging remarks or inappropriate conduct is prohibited.

•ACCESS & KEYS

Studio access is granted according to membership level, rental agreements, or employment role. Unauthorized access or sharing of keys is prohibited.

Vendor Markets

Arts in the Sunset

Amarillo Art Institute

Public Gallery

Rented Events

Studio Artist